I am seriously considering a 2000-2003 F-250 with the diesel. I am a marine engineer and am intimately familiar with diesel engines, but it seems like this vehicle has a lot of issues with relibility. Where is the old diesel reliability that I remember hearing so much about as a selling point??? I know marine diesels are much more reliable than their gas brethren, so I am baffled why there are so many questions on here as to how to fix certain problems... I have always been a Ford guy, and now I am looking for reliable, safe, truck transportation, should I reconsider?
Reliability issues?
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No complaints here with my 2000 7.3L PSD. I'm getting ready to turn 119K on the odo. I bought it a little over a year ago with about 80K on it. I have never broke down technically (had to replace a wheel bearing assembly & water pump a couple of weeks ago)...but the engine has given me zero problems. Runs very strong /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif
You must understand that this site is for solving problems. This site has over 50000 registered users. A very small percentage are actually posting problems. I have a 01 250, and I have had no problems yet, but i know i can look to the diesel stop for answers if i do. I think you would make a smart choice on going diesel. I would say that they are more expensive to operate so you need to figure if you can afford the maintance cost verses a gas burner.
P.S.
If you are like me I love when people look at my truck at a stoplight.
Usually green with envy!!!!!!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Jclaude /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif
P.S.
If you are like me I love when people look at my truck at a stoplight.
Usually green with envy!!!!!!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Jclaude /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif
My 99.5 just turned 167K over the weekend, and it's had nothing I'd consider a major issue, and precious little that's engine-specific to the 7.3L. Most of these (particularly the brakes and ball joints) are actually wear items:
- Brake pads at 75K (no rotors)
- Pinion seal and rear diff cover at 85K
- Front rotors and ball joints at 111K
- Batteries at 128K
- Rear rotors and pads at 140K
- Water pump (engine-specific) at 146K
- Overhead console display died (fixed by resoldering two SMD resistors, no cash outlay, just bought the prototype circuit board wizard at ATI who wielded the precision soldering iron a soda) at 155K
- One hydroboost/PS system hose split (during a full-ABS-braking-and-evasive-maneuver event that involved a curb hop) at 166K (the schnauzer that decided to play in rush-hour traffic lived, as did everyone in the cars I didn't run into. Autocrossing pays off: I put the truck through a gap about 3" wider than it is, on wet grass, at speed. Didn't hit anything.)
Things I know I'm gonna have to do soon: front brakes, front ball joints (again), rear axle end seals. I get about 60K miles out of a set of Michelin LTX A/S tires (LT265/75-R16 Load Range E). I might replace or recover the steering wheel (the leather is a bit worn) at some point. I need to replace the rubber pad on the brake pedal.
I see absolutely no reason why I won't get well in excess of 200K out of this truck before it needs something major (probably the trans - although it's showing no signs of difficulty at all) rebuilt.
So buy without fear -- provided you do your homework and make sure the truck you purchase has been properly maintained. I bought mine off a pal of mine when it had 59K on the odo (and was about 2.25 years old), and it came with complete maintenance records.
- Brake pads at 75K (no rotors)
- Pinion seal and rear diff cover at 85K
- Front rotors and ball joints at 111K
- Batteries at 128K
- Rear rotors and pads at 140K
- Water pump (engine-specific) at 146K
- Overhead console display died (fixed by resoldering two SMD resistors, no cash outlay, just bought the prototype circuit board wizard at ATI who wielded the precision soldering iron a soda) at 155K
- One hydroboost/PS system hose split (during a full-ABS-braking-and-evasive-maneuver event that involved a curb hop) at 166K (the schnauzer that decided to play in rush-hour traffic lived, as did everyone in the cars I didn't run into. Autocrossing pays off: I put the truck through a gap about 3" wider than it is, on wet grass, at speed. Didn't hit anything.)
Things I know I'm gonna have to do soon: front brakes, front ball joints (again), rear axle end seals. I get about 60K miles out of a set of Michelin LTX A/S tires (LT265/75-R16 Load Range E). I might replace or recover the steering wheel (the leather is a bit worn) at some point. I need to replace the rubber pad on the brake pedal.
I see absolutely no reason why I won't get well in excess of 200K out of this truck before it needs something major (probably the trans - although it's showing no signs of difficulty at all) rebuilt.
So buy without fear -- provided you do your homework and make sure the truck you purchase has been properly maintained. I bought mine off a pal of mine when it had 59K on the odo (and was about 2.25 years old), and it came with complete maintenance records.
My 1999.5 has 191K and runs like it was new. I change the oil every 3000-5000 miles and the transmission fluid every 30K. Only problem I have had is the CPS going out once. I did also change the calipers on all four wheels. But nothing else has been done to the truck. I love it.
Joined
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448 Posts
You have NO other options if you really want a diesel truck with reliability! The 7.3 on a Ford chassis will win you over hands down. Pay close attention to these posts and you will notice most problems are external the 7.3 engine. It is my personal opinion a stock 7.3, driven normally /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif, well maintained, will outlast the platform she rides on.
But, like all of these great folks posting to this form, you will not be satisfied stock, because Ford left too much room for us to achieve greater efficiency of HP and Torque by MODDING . That's where the rub becomes hard on the wallet.
Look at my sig., 97K miles, 70% heavy hauling, the only failure was the tranny coast clutchs. Other than fluid changes and batteries I have had no breakdowns or maintenance expense.
There is no other 3/4 ton on the market to get this kind of job done.
BTW, welcome to DieselStop. If you have a $ or $$, drop in again. We will help you spend it.
But, like all of these great folks posting to this form, you will not be satisfied stock, because Ford left too much room for us to achieve greater efficiency of HP and Torque by MODDING . That's where the rub becomes hard on the wallet.
Look at my sig., 97K miles, 70% heavy hauling, the only failure was the tranny coast clutchs. Other than fluid changes and batteries I have had no breakdowns or maintenance expense.
There is no other 3/4 ton on the market to get this kind of job done.
BTW, welcome to DieselStop. If you have a $ or $$, drop in again. We will help you spend it.
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